Nearly a year after revealing that he had been diagnosed with aphasia, on Feb. 16, Bruce Willis' family shared that he has dementia. In a statement, his wife, children, and ex-wife revealed to the public that the actor was diagnosed more specifically with frontotemporal dementia and thanked fans for their support. The Die Hard star retired from acting after his aphasia diagnosis last year.
Now, a source close to the family has shared more information about how Willis' day-t0-day life has changed due to the condition. Read on to learn about the routine he's following to help manage his dementia.
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Willis' family recently shared an update on his condition.
In a statement posted by The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration last week, Willis' family announced his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.
"Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD)," the statement reads. "Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis."
The statement continues, "Bruce has always found joy in life—and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us. We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time."
The post is signed by Willis' wife, Emma Heming Willis, and their young children, Mabel and Evelyn Willis, as well as by his ex-wife, Demi Moore, and their three adult children, Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah Willis.
Frontotemporal dementia can lead to personality changes.
lev radin / ShutterstockAccording to the Mayo Clinic, "Frontotemporal dementia is an umbrella term for a group of brain disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas of the brain are generally associated with personality, behavior and language."
With frontotemporal dementia, parts of these lobes of the brain shrink, which causes the various symptoms patients experience. Some people "have dramatic changes in their personalities and become socially inappropriate, impulsive or emotionally indifferent, while others lose the ability to use language properly," as explained by the Mayo Clinic.
Willis was previously diagnosed with aphasia, which his family announced in March 2022. Per the Mayo Clinic, aphasia "is a disorder that affects how you communicate. It can impact your speech, as well as the way you write and understand both spoken and written language."
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He's reportedly keeping active.
A "family source" told People that Willis' loved ones are supporting him daily.
"The focus for Bruce is to keep him active," the source said. "He has a busy schedule with activities every day. They make sure both his body and brain is exercised."
The source added, "The family is all closer than ever." They also said that Heming Willis is trying to make positive memories for Mabel, 10, and Evelyn, 8. "She wants them to remember Bruce as an amazing, fun dad. She wants them to have the best memories of him," the source said.
In October 2022, Heming Willis shared a video update of Willis, herself, Mabel, and Evelyn enjoying the outdoors, playing, and dancing together.
His family believe Willis would want to share his story.
Featureflash Photo Agency / ShutterstockIn their statement, Willis' family note that they're confident the actor would want his story to have a positive impact.
"Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately," the statement reads. "We know in our hearts that—if he could today—he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families."
